The Four Learning Theories

Module 1 Reflection This learning theory activity reflects on how four main learning theories are interrelated and drive a variety of approaches used within special education and, more specifically, effective teaching practices. A Venn diagram was used to produce the interrelationship of the concepts of the Applied Behavioral Analysis, the Cognitive Strategy Instruction, the Schema Theory, and the Social Cultural Theory. This Venn diagram is broken down to four sets having thirteen places in which to place the concepts and to demonstrate the student’s understanding of how the theories are related. This reflection paper will follow the numbering on the Venn diagram, provided by the instructor, in numerical order. (see attached Venn diagram) …show more content…
The concept placed in the spot is prior knowledge which is used to construct new knowledge. This encourages the student to look at information that has been modeled along with the prior knowledge to solve a problem. The interactions with the environment and others allow the child to build their prior knowledge. This prior knowledge allows the child to have a greater understanding of the schema in which they live. According to Slavin, “One of the most important determinants of how much you can learn about something is how much you already know about it”. He goes on to say that the more an individual knows about the topic the easier they can incorporate new information into their schema (Slavin, 2015, p. 147). All three theories require the child or student to look at what they know to solve a problem they face …show more content…
These concepts affect how each person learns, interacts with their environment, and interacts with peers. They are the language, family and culture. All of these are not only at the center of the Venn diagram but are also at the center of who a person is. From the center we move on to spot nine which is the concept of observable behaviors can be changed. This spot on the Venn diagram is where three theories come together. These three theories are Applied Behavioral Analysis, Cognitive Strategy Instruction, Schema Theory. The goal of these three theories is to change the observable behavior of the student so that learning can take place. According to Kazdin, there are five broad characteristics that we must look at to change behavior: emphasis on behavior, emphasis on current determinants of behavior, emphasis on learning, assessment and evaluation, and last is application (Kazdin, 1975, p. 3). These characteristics are used in all three of the theories to aid student in